Will Joe Burrow's return spark another Bengals late-season playoff push? 

Getting right back into the swing of the offense, Burrow found his favorite target, Ja'Marr Chase seven times for 110 yards. 

Despite the victory and Burrow's return, the Bengals are still only 4-8 on the year. 

Will Cincinnati make another late-season playoff push?  

Last year, the Bengals managed to turn a 3-8 start into fighting for the playoffs on the last day of the regular season. One year later, fans are now wondering if they can do it again, and maybe actually take the extra step and get in this time. 

Completing the possibility of deja vu, Burrow also missed nine games during Cincinnati's slow start to the 2024 season like he has this year. Even with the holiday win, Cincinnati still sits two games back in third in the division behind the up and down Pittsburgh Steelers, who enter the weekend 6-5, and the now 6-6 Ravens. 

So while the Bengals obviously need to keep on winning, they will also likely need some help. But since every game is a must-win from here on out, let's look at what's left on the schedule. 

If Cincinnati can win again next week, it might be possible 

Up next, Cincinnati has the tough challenge of facing Josh Allen and a hungry Buffalo Bills team in Buffalo. After that, the Bengals will head home and try to stop Baltimore from getting revenge. 

Cincinnati's last three games are favorable, as it's the Miami Dolphins in Miami, at home against the Arizona Cardinals and a finale with the Cleveland Browns in town. 

It won't be easy and it may be too little too late again, but Burrow and the Bengals aren't giving up the fight just yet.